What is a Giving Goal?

Often, the idealism of youth is lost as one achieves success and acquires material possessions later in life. What was originally considered to be “enough” or even “beyond my wildest dreams” can become just another milestone on one’s quest…

Capturing your current vision of how you wish to give of yourself and your resources in the future could help you plan to give more meaningfully. Revisiting this vision in ten or twenty years could provide a reminder of the ideals of your youth that may shape or re-shape your future actions.

If you have already posted your Giving Goal and would like to update your email for future reminders, please contact [email protected]

Step 1

Have a healthy and vigorous dialogue in your class on the general idea of having a personal Giving Goal as a college student.

Step 2

Set a Giving Goal concerning your future giving plans.

Step 3

Share a brief statement of your Giving Goals on The Philanthropy Lab’s portal as a way to inspire others to do the same. You may post anonymously to the public if you wish.

Step 4

Share your permanent email address and phone number with The Philanthropy Lab, for the sole purpose of the reminder mechanism, so we can remind you of your goal in 5 year increments for 20 years into the future.

Alumni Reflections

"What a sweet reminder of this pledge! I've definitely given and volunteered in the last 6yrs. It's been a joy to continue the journey of generosity since graduating from undergrad. I'm back in grad school and I am looking forward to finishing my MSW. There will be new ways I give back to the community!"

"Thank you so much for this valuable reminder of my Giving Pledge. I'm proud to say I've dedicated several hours of volunteer time & services to Arts Education non-profits and will continue to live out this pledge"

“Thanks for reaching out––I'm actively still volunteering at two non-profits now in NYC (one free food service called "Wellfare" and a neighborhood homeless shelter)”

"Thank you for your email! The Philanthropy Lab was a life changing experience for me. I ended up joining the board of Malawi Children's Village to run the women empowerment program, which is what the Philanthropy Lab grant was for. In August, I am going to Malawi to see the project in action!"

"I was so happy to see this email pop into my inbox, it feels like a lifetime ago I was in this course. I appreciate all that I learned in this class and have taken its messages with me through these past 5 years. I do plan on maintaining the promise I made in this class"

"Thanks for this reminder. I actually still have a handwritten version of that note on the magnet board in my home office."

Search for Giving Goals

Over 4,200+ course participants have written giving goals in a demonstration of leadership!

Samantha Angelina

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2022

When I first graduate, I hope to donate 5% of my annual income to organizations that support education, both for youth and higher education. I also hope to volunteer 5 hours a month with a community partner in the community I live. As I get a higher paying job, I hope to donate closer to 10% of my income.

Rachel Thompson

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2022

When I graduate I plan to donate a portion of my income to organizations helping those who are experiencing homelessness and organizations striving to limit inequities in K-12 education. Furthermore, I hope to volunteer regularly for organizations in my local community that are in need.

Rachel Stockford

University of Notre Dame

Fall
2022

I aim to give away 1-5% of each paycheck I get to an important non-profit once I graduate college.

Olivia Pfeil

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2022

On top of working in the nonprofit sector, I hope to volunteer my time and treasure to organizations that are important to me. Ideally, I will be volunteering at least 10 hours a month, as well as donating at least 5% of my salary in the next 5 years.Â

Nick King

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2022

My giving goal is to give away ten percent of my income to charity as well as volunteer at least 6 hours a month to help out non profits.

Natalie Unger

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Fall
2022

My giving goal is to give around 5% of my salary once I have become financially stable as well as donate my time through volunteering once a month. I would like to give to organizations that support my personal mission. Specifically organizations that help empower women or give services to them such as Planned Parenthood. I also want to donate to performing arts organizations because I think that is an important part of society.